The Estate range wines are vibrant expressions of varietal flavour. Our Estate Cabernet was made from fruit that was harvested at its optimum maturity, and then fermented for 7 days under controlled temperatures in small static fermenters. Maturation for 18 months in French oak Hogshead barrels has assisted in the development of a wine that shows vibrancy and richness.
It has an aroma of blackcurrant and plum, mint and menthol with subtle French oak in the background.
Ripe black fruits on the palate, blackberry and mulberry highlights. Medium in body, nicely balanced acidity finishing with a classic Coonawarra chalky tannin structure.
Subsequently, aged in bottle for two years for smoothness and drinkability. This is an elegant expression of Coonawarra’s regionality, and will repay cellaring for at least ten years.
Alc /Vol: 14.5%
"Opaque at the core, deep ruby red into the rim. Blackberry, dusty earth and cigar box aromatics. Palate is classic cabernet, dark berries with ironstone, tomato leaf and dusty earth characters all flowing across the palate. Gravelly tannins complete the profile, ensuring the intensity doesn’t overpower and carrying the finish very long and bone dry to the end." 92 points, Stuart Knox, The Real Review - 8 JAN 2024
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"In the mouth the wine is full-bodied and dry, textured with subtle tannic grip. Intense dark fruit notes continue, leading to a concentrated, warm, and lengthy finish. Try now with hearty main course dishes, or cellar for 10 years or so. " 94 points - Noosa Grapevine, Martin Field, Aug 2024
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"Mature Coonawarra cabernet sauvignon that is ready to drink for $30 a bottle? Yes, you read that right. This is a beauty for both quality and value from a family with Italian roots and winemaking heritage that has now been making excellent wines on the Terra Rossa strip for over 40 years. This is a delightfully everyday cabernet that's also good enough to grace the table for a dinner party. Think classic hedgerow berry flavours and a wine that's been given time to mature gracefully in French oak. Ready to enjoy right now (try pairing with a steak and kidney casserole) or for maturing for a decade or more. Lovely stuff." Winsor Dobbin, Aug 2024
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"The wines from Zema Estate have skipped out of the ground, in my opinion, since Joe Cory was appointed as winemaker a few years ago. His fingerprints on these wines are now clear. And then there is the value factor. Woah! This sees 18 months in French oak and a further two years of bottle age before release. All that for 26 bucks is some value factor deluxe! Coonawarra is a place where Riesling, Shiraz and Cabernet are underpriced, and I'm happy to be wrong (but I know I'm not). I love the vibrance of this wine. Keeping in mind it's five years young, this is a fabulous budget option for those looking for a wine worth cellaring. Blackberries, black currant paste, black olives and tomato leaf and Bay leaf get things underway and leave a lasting impression. Dark chocolate and that Coonawarra earthiness roll about with ease. That length coupled with those relaxed feels, this is a delight to drink. Smart stuff and then some. Bang the bargain drum!" 94 points, Qwine, Aug 2024
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93 points - Wine Showcase